How Many Miles To Bethlehem?
What’s inside...
'I am Mary, quick and slow. Tight as a drum. We're so far from home, and my baby will be born tonight.' An innkeeper, an ox and a donkey, shepherds, wise men, angels, a star, Herod, Mary, and Jesus himself all speak their part in this resonant and original retelling of the Nativity story. Set in the Middle East and filled with visual references to the place and time, the poetic text marries beautifully with the exquisite jewel-colored paintings of Peter Malone. Acclaimed poet and novelist Kevin Crossley-Holland links the tales of all the beloved figures of the nativity story into a chain of voices revealing the miracle and meaning of Christmas, while Peter Malone's illustrations glow with majestic grace. This sumptuous gift book for families to cherish illuminates the Nativity story in a new light, making it a book for art lovers to admire, poets to praise, and families to read together and treasure.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think the journey to Bethlehem was like for Mary and Joseph?
How do the different characters in the story show kindness and hospitality?
Why is the story of Bethlehem important to different people in the book?
How do the illustrations help tell the story of the journey to Bethlehem?
What feelings do you think you would have if you were part of this journey?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, give a brief overview of the Nativity story to set the context.
While reading, pause to discuss the emotions and actions of each character.
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the setting and ask how they would feel or react in similar situations.
Pose questions that relate the themes of the story to the child’s own experiences with journeys or holidays.
After reading, have your child draw a scene from the book that stood out to them and explain why they chose it.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story presents various perspectives of the characters surrounding the birth of Jesus, illustrating multiple viewpoints and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and understand diverse perspectives, fostering empathy in real-world interactions with others.
Example Lesson: Importance of Cooperation
Explanation: Characters in the story come together, each playing a crucial role in the nativity scene, demonstrating the value of working together.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of teamwork and how collaborative efforts can lead to successful outcomes in group settings such as school projects.
Example Lesson: Historical Awareness
Explanation: Set against the backdrop of a significant biblical event, the book provides insights into historical and cultural contexts.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding to enhance their grasp of history and cultural diversity, enriching their global awareness.
Example Lesson: Value of Peace
Explanation: The serene and divine setting of Christ's birth underlines the profound message of peace throughout the story.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand the importance of peace and encourage them to practice peaceful interactions in their daily lives.
Example Lesson: Artistic Expression
Explanation: The poetic narrative style and vivid illustrations in the book show the beauty of artistic expression.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to appreciate and possibly pursue artistic forms of expression, whether through writing, drawing, or other creative outlets.